100 Years after a Disaster

The U.S. Department of Labor has a great resource page on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911. 146 workers – most women – died because they were locked in a nine story building that broke out in flames. Doors were locked because their managers wanted to stop petty theft of felt scrap that could be resold.

Two years later, conditions improved at the plant. Why? Because the International Ladies Garment Workers Union went on strike. We need to remember such heroes, especially when we have “leaders” like Governor Scott Walker.